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By Hannah Parry and Jenna Sundel
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President Donald Trump has called for billionaire George Soros and his son to face federal racketeering charges over their support of "violent protests."
"George Soros, and his wonderful Radical Left son, should be charged with RICO because of their support of Violent Protests, and much more, all throughout the United States of America," Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday morning. "We're not going to allow these lunatics to rip apart America any more, never giving it so much as a chance to 'BREATHE,' and be FREE."
A spokesperson for Open Society Foundations, founded by Soros, said Trump's accusations are "outrageous and false."
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"The Open Society Foundations do not support or fund violent protests. Our mission is to advance human rights, justice, and democratic principles at home and around the world," the spokesperson told Newsweek.
Why It Matters
Soros has often faced attacks from conservatives for his history of donating to liberal candidates and causes. He contributed $2 million to Susan Crawford's campaign for Wisconsin Supreme Court, an election held earlier this year that garnered national attention for its large donations and out-of-state influences.
Billionaire Elon Musk, who supported Crawford's opponent Brad Schimel, shared an image of the Grim Reaper looking for Soros in a claw machine last month.
What To Know
Trump has previously alleged that Soros "backed" Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who was prosecuting Trump at the time.
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Similar allegations were raised by other Republican politicians, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who said on X in 2023 that "cities are being hollowed out because of George Soros funding these radical left-wing district attorneys," and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, who called Bragg a "George Soros puppet" on X the same year.
A Soros adviser told CNBC in 2023 that Soros had "never met or spoken to Alvin Bragg."
What Is RICO?
The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act is a federal law that allows for extended criminal penalties for acts committed as part of a criminal organization.
Individuals found guilty of racketeering can be fined up to $25,000 and sentenced to up to 20 years in prison for each racketeering count.
Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor and the president of West Coast Trial Lawyers, told Newsweek that there is "no legal basis" for Soros to be prosecuted under the RICO Act.
"RICO requires a pattern of racketeering activity," Rahmani said. "Now, is it possible that [Attorney General Pam] Bondi, or some prosecutor at the DOJ does President Trump's bidding? Maybe, but even if they were to file such a case, it would have no merit, and it would be immediately tossed out by any judge."
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump, on Truth Social: "Soros, and his group of psychopaths, have caused great damage to our Country! That includes his Crazy, West Coast friends. Be careful, we're watching you! Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
An Open Society Foundations spokesperson, in a statement to Newsweek: "We stand for fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, including the rights to free speech and peaceful protest that are hallmarks of any vibrant democracy."
Billionaire Elon Musk, on X: "High time action was taken against Soros directly."
Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor and the president of West Coast Trial Lawyers, told Newsweek: "Soros supporting progressive causes or liberal politicians, that's a clearly protected First Amendment activity. It's not criminal in any way whatsoever."
Update 8/27/25, 11:28 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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